Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón Museum — Attraction in Tucson

Asking the locals we met where was the best place to get a feel for Tucson's history the Presidio was their first choice and they of course were right. The original covered much of the downtown area, but was destroyed, partially by nature, partially by on going development. What you see now is a recreation, which includes an outline of the original walls at one corner of the original plus the remains of a Native American hut discovered during the construction. The entrance is through a door in an old row house and is easily missed. ADA entrance has to be arranged by ringing a bell and you are lead to an unpaved drive to a alternative entrance. Once inside there is a small gift shop and two rooms with exhibits. Once you pay the admission fee you are free to tour on your own or a docent is available to give you one. Take one from a docent who can explain the various sections, artifacts and exhibits. The most interesting part was the explanation of the making of red dye from cochineal a small insect parasite which lives on the prickly pear cactus. It was so valuable that the King of Spain claimed the right to all of it produced in the new world and it was the second most valuable export behind silver. The living quarters are well reproduced, showing both what a NCO would occupy and that of the ordinary soldier. There is a powder magazine, cooking and baking areas, armory and storehouses. Well worth the visit to get a sense of the early history of the Spanish in the area. To see the full reenactment of live in the Presidio, be there on the second Saturday...

This is truly a hidden gem! I spent the early part of my childhood nextdoor in the Transamerica building whenever my dad took me in to work. I had no clue of the history that was right nextdoor. My ties to the Presidio area continued into adulthood, and now I send my child to the summer camps that are offered. The summer camps are always the best ones my kiddo goes to. In three summers, we have completed 4 camps. Ginger and Wolf are amazing along with the junior staff. I cannot recommend the camps enough. The activities are awesome! My kid made an Adobe brick, learned how to make traditional pottery, and learned more history about Tucson than I ever learned at that age. We don't even live in Tucson, but we make a special trip so my child can do these camps. There are other learning opportunities aimed at adults. If you can do so, try and take a tour with Mauro Trejo. He is a wonderful engaging historian. This is one of Tucson's...

Everyone who lives in or visits Tucson should stop in at the Presidio. This is where European history began in southern Arizona. In 1775 when New Spain (Mexico) ruled Arizona they built this fort to protect settlers. The Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum is a small reconstruction of what was once an eleven acre fortress. This was the northern most fort in their chain of Presidios. The second Saturday of every month is the best day to visit and see all the volunteers reenacting Spanish life, arts, and crafts of the era. Great gift shop and history displays. At the Presidio, you can also pick up a copy of The Turquoise Trail historical walking tour map of downtown Tucson....